Cardiovascular fitness not affected by cancer treatment

Photo by J.C. Rojas

Cardiovascular fitness is not affected by cancer treatment, say researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center.  These findings come as a result of research conducted at a physician-directed fitness clinic for cancer survivors.  Priscilla Furth, MD and Jennifer LeMoine, PhD, who co-authored the study, tested 49 women with a range of diagnoses and who had undergone a variety of cancer treatments.  “What’s really exciting to us was that we found that cardiovascular fitness was not affected by the expected culprits — cancer treatment, type, duration or time since treatment,” explains LeMoine in an article for Medical News Today.  “That isn’t to say there aren’t side effects of some treatments that may hinder physical activity, but when it comes to actual cardiovascular fitness as measured in our clinic, many of the standard treatments didn’t have a role.”

In other recent studies, exercise has been shown to decrease the risk of recurrence in many cancers, including breast and colon cancer. Research conducted at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that people who have been treated for colon cancer can reduce their risk of the cancer coming back, and improve their odds of survival, by as much as 50% by engaging in regular exercise.  Breast cancer patients are encouraged to improve flexibility, strength and endurance as part of the rehabilitation process according to research presented to the American College of Sports Medicine.

For cancer survivors, finding the right exercise program can be confusing. New studies will help physicians to guide patients into a program that meets their needs.  “Having this kind of evaluation tool is critical for physicians, like me, who are interested in prescribing physical activity for this population.” says Dr. Furth.